A TRADITIONAL working class area which is now home to more than 30,000 people, Govan is one of Glasgow’s most diverse wards.

It takes in the areas of Shieldhall, Drumoyne, Craigton, Bellahouston, Dumbreck Ibrox, Cessnock, Tradeston and Govan itself.

The age range of residents is equally spread around the area, with around 8,000 people aged between16 and 29, while a further 14,000 are between 30 and 64.

While two thirds of the population in Govan would consider themselves White Scottish according to the latest data, there are also Pakistani, Indian, Chinese and African residents in smaller numbers.

In recent years, Govan Cross has been transformed, with upgrades to the square itself, the bus terminus and the subway all creating a modern feel.

However residents said they would still like to see more activities for younger people, better tackling of rubbish and fly tipping and more community involvement.

At the 2012 elections the ward elected two Labour councillors, Stephen Dornan of Glasgow First, and one SNP councillor.

However a bi-election was held following the death of SNP councillor and former SNP Glasgow leader Allison Hunter in 2013, won by Labour’s John Kane.

Stephen Dornan later joined the SNP, increasing the party’s representation in the area once again.

Govan has traditionally been an area where Labour and the SNP have battled, and this year the SNP will be hoping to reverse Labour’s majority.

Meanwhile, the Greens and Conservatives will also be hoping to make an impact in Govan having announced their candidates.

Regardless of who is elected, they will find themselves representing a very proud area.

Gavin Dunbar is the manager of local charity Starter Packs who deliver parcels to locals struggling to equip their house.

He thinks that locals have a unique feeling of belonging.

Mr Dunbar said: “Govan has a real identity.

“For most of Glasgow people will call themselves Glaswegians but here you have Govanites.

“We want people to feel part of something again, especially those who are disenfranchised from society.

“There’s a really broad spectrum of people, folk who could benefit from support to engage them again in the community.

“There is lot going on in Govan, it’s really on the up, but it’s about showing people where to go.”

As well as local amenities, according to the manager the messiness on the streets needs looked at.

Mr Dunbar added: “We see issues with rubbish on street corners and it makes the place look untidy.

“If your area looks nicer you’re going to feel better, it’s a bit depressing when you have rubbish out the front and back of your house.

“Whoever wins in May needs to listen to the local groups who are already seeing the issues on the ground.”

We asked local people about their views on the area, and what they want to change after the council elections.

SEAN HARTE, 23, a call centre worker, said he liked Govan and it’s diversity.

He said: “It’s really nice to see people of different cultures coming in to the area.

“I think the state of the place isn’t the best. It’s sometimes not a nice environment to be in and you sometimes feel unsafe.

“It needs to look nicer pleasing but that’s started to improve. If the council continue along the path they’ve been going down here, the area will shape up nicely.”

He says he will probably vote.

DAISY DOUGLAS, 25, is a producer who works with a number of creative events in Glasgow.

She said: “ I like how diverse it is and there’s a lot of community connection that feels really strong here.

“If people need help it feels like they can really find that here.

“Friends of mine sometimes feel it is dangerous, which I don’t necessarily feel.

“ I think there should be more and better street lighting to make it feel safer for people to be around.”

ALICE GERRY, 73, a retired home help has always lived in Govan and said it “was a good community”.

She said: “It used to be a good place, but it’s terrible now and the housing doesn’t give a damn about anyone.”

Alice said she thought what was most needed is help for people with addiction problems.

She said: “I haven’t voted for a while.

“It’s a waste of time. It doesn’t matter who gets in. They’re all the same.”

JAMES NICHOL, a 72-year-old retired engineer from Govan said he thinks the area is “up and coming”.

He said: “I think there are a lot of opportunities here and a lot of things are happening which are trying to get people in to work.

“ There could be more for young people to do, and maybe more job opportunities in the immediate area.”

James added that he would be voting in this year’s elections as he feels it is important to vote for what you believe in.”

HELEN O’NEILL, 52, a housewife from Govan, said : “You could go to any door and get a piece here.

“It’s great but I think it needs more money.

“There could be more businesses here and more opportunities.

“I heard they were going to be building a footbridge over from Partick and that would be great. It would bring more people over here.”

Helen said she will be voting in the elections and hopes it will help improve things for Govan .

She said: “I always vote – it matters.”

RONNIE DUNLOP, 69, retired is a retired professional waiter from Govan. He said the best thing about the area was the “bus station and the subway” as it provided good transport links to the rest of the city.

Ronnie wants to see more action to tackle drug abuse and crime in the area.

He said he wasn’t voting because: “ They all conned us including Labour. You complain and they say ‘We’ll send you a letter’ and then the next day forget about it.”